Organisations that provide day services, respite and/or vocational programmes for adults are on our Support for Young Adults page»
Creative Abilities
Creative Abilities is a private company based on the North Shore with a dedicated group of people who work alongside people with physical and intellectual impairment. The Creative Abilities Leisure Centre on the North Shore offers a range of activities enabling everyone to have the opportunity to get involved. There is a timetable of activities covering swimming, sports, social Boccia, craft, computers, baking and more.
Website»
IHC Friendship and Skill-Based Programme
Friendship Programme
IHC’s volunteer friendship programme is about making a positive change in your life and gaining a new friend in the process. It is about spending time doing what you want to do, when you want to do it, with a volunteer from IHC. The relationship is one-to-one. This means you spend time with only one person, so you both get to know each other. You and the volunteer choose how you spend your time. It could be taking the dog for a walk, seeing a movie, or going to a café for a coffee. It is not time specific. There is choice. There is flexibility. The emphasis is on being out in the community having fun – together.
Skill based programme
IHC’s unique one-to-one friendship programme has expanded to include skill-based volunteering. These are shorter, focused projects based on goals the person wants to achieve.
You work one-to-one to develop a specific skill, or achieve a specific goal. You set the time commitment to fit the project.
If interested please email Lisa Diggins IHC Volunteer Coordinator or phone 021 244 2686.
Playgroups (central Auckland)
Baby Music group
Baby Music Group is a playgroup for babies with special needs age 0-18 months. This group provides an opportunity for the babies to enjoy music and developmental activities with their parents/caregivers in a supportive environment with retired paediatric therapists. It also gives parents/carers a chance to meet and talk with other parents with young babies. Please note: the baby music group is not running at this time- however, little ones can join in with the older children at 9:45 sessions. Please contact Margaret to find out more.
Music & Fun playgroup
Giving children 18 months to 5 with special needs and their parents/carers the chance to play and socialise in a fun and supportive environment. Every second Wednesday of the month, not during school holidays. Run by Margaret Davidson, retired neuro-developmental therapist and Marjorie Blakeley, retired speech-language therapist. For more information contact email Margaret.
Term dates for 2022 (PDF)»
PHAB
PHAB has 16 clubs, three different age ranges, that meet weekly throughout greater Auckland. PHAB is a constructive support network, they mentor and foster leadership among all their members. They have people, disabled and non-disabled, working together at every level of the organisation.
Website»
Sibling Support
SibSupportNZ
Parent to Parent New Zealand delivers a programme, which supports the specific needs of siblings who have brothers and sisters with a disability, health impairment or special need. The aim of the programme is to provide siblings with an experience that will assist them to cope with the challenges and stresses of living with a brother or sister who has a disability. Siblings develop their own support network, through sharing and making friends with others who understand.
Website»